Caravan of Whores have definitely chosen a name that stands out. One could even argue that it stands out just a little too much for a lot of people to pay them any attention. Then again, fans of (in the band’s words) “original Post-Sabbathian Pre-Apocalypsian Neo-Stoner” may not be easily offended.

Road To Kurti exhibits the band’s wonderfully raw, semi-improvised sound. Although it is never quite as slow or heavy as doom bands like Bongripper or Electric Wizard this, the band’s second EP, still feels far more ‘apocalyptic’ than conventional stoner bands like Kyuss, grinding along through several eight/nine minute epics. Thankfully, unlike many underground, self-financed metal EPs, Road to Kurti seems to have been very well recorded and mixed.

If the EP’s cover art does not already betray Caravan Of Whores’ Eastern influences, the protracted, psychedelic introduction to opener ‘Drug Queen’ will. What follows is a crushing half hour of groovy stoner/doom. Although the repetitive nature of stoner riffs can often get incredibly dull to anyone in the wrong mindset, Caravan Of Whores build on an already inventive and emotive library of licks with brilliant, groove-lead drumming from Jamie Gillett, which helps to keep things a little varied. Having said this, there are one or two moments on Road To Kurti where the band temporarily allow excitement to lapse a little with a slightly less impressive riff.

Although Gillett’s drumming does stand out as exceptional, especially in the no-holds-barred ‘interlude’ at the end of ‘Drug Queen’, the whole band definitely shows impressive musicianship on this EP; guitarist John Slaymaker’s solo on ‘Waiting’, quite possibly the standout track on the EP, is a genuinely well constructed break from the mindless arpeggio shredding that so many metal bands seem to resort to, and his use of controlled feedback in both ‘Mister Bendy Man’ and ‘Your God is Dead’ is very musical. Meanwhile, bassist Pete Smith locks into a tight groove with the rest of the band, and is also the band’s lead vocalist; and although his minimal lyrics are well phrased and set, they feel a little weaker than they did on any of the numerous occasions I’ve seen Caravan Of Whores live. Having said this, they are also much clearer and more melodic here, which is perhaps a necessary trade-off on this kind of release.

Road To Kurti is a really impressive showcase of a truly original stoner/doom band’s abilities, and Caravan Of Whores deserve the support and recognition they’ve been receiving, not just from the underground media, but also from bigger magazines like Metal Hammer. Let’s be honest: if the name offends you, you probably aren’t quite cut out for this music.